The latest package of sanctions imposed by the European Union on Russia over the war in Ukraine will be a significant blow to the oil-based Russian economy, even if the United States does not follow suit, Polish Minister of European Affairs Adam Szlapka said, quoted by the national news agency PAP, BTA reported.
The EU yesterday approved the 18th package of sanctions on Russia over its war in Ukraine, targeting the country's energy and banking sectors, as well as the so-called shadow fleet of tankers that circumvent international sanctions on oil exports.
The European Union also introduced a price ceiling for imports from Russia of 15% below the market price for the past three months.
“We are very pleased to see this sanctions package“, Szlapka told reporters later in Brussels, adding that Poland is participated in its preparation during its six-month rotating EU presidency that ended in June.
“This represents a significant blow to Russia's potential, because its power is based primarily on a rather primitive economy, relying mainly on the export of unprocessed fossil fuels,“ he said.
Szlapka also expressed confidence that the newly lowered price ceiling for Russian oil would have an effect, regardless of whether the United States accepts it or not.
The United States had already introduced a price ceiling for oil imports from Russia under former President Joe Biden. His successor Donald Trump has kept the ceiling in place despite continued pressure from the EU and Britain to lower it.
The Polish Foreign Ministry also welcomed the new sanctions on Russia. “Initiated during the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU and completed by Denmark (which currently holds this role), this package hits the Russian military machine with powerful sectoral measures and targeted individual lists. Europe works together“, the ministry wrote on its social network account “Ex“.
Ministry spokesman Pavel Vronsky said that the new package of sanctions imposed on Russia is a painful blow to the Russian military economy.
“The negotiations were held until the last moment, as there was opposition from a group of countries. "But fortunately, the agreement was reached," Wronski said.
After reiterating that this was a serious blow to Russia, Wronski said that Poland was very pleased that the new package, which was negotiated during the Polish EU presidency and which was highly appreciated, was approved shortly after the end of the Polish mandate.
He added that the "shadow fleet" against which the new package is aimed is used by Russia not only to transport crude oil, but also poses a direct threat to the countries located on the Baltic Sea coast - including Poland, due to the significant environmental risks posed by potential oil spills and accidents.